Apple’s long-rumoured foldable iPhone may finally be taking shape. According to a new report, the company has entered the initial Prototype 1 (P1) phase of development, setting the stage for what could be one of its most ambitious hardware launches yet.
Citing supply chain sources, Digitimes reports that Apple began the P1 stage for the foldable iPhone in June. If development stays on schedule, the device could complete prototype testing by late 2025, advance to the Engineering Verification Test (EVT) phase, and be unveiled sometime in the second half of 2026.
Each prototype stage reportedly lasts around two months, during which Apple’s supply chain partners conduct limited trial production runs. After each stage, major assemblers Foxconn and Pegatron will verify production yields and ensure the design can be reliably manufactured before scaling up.
Initial shipment estimates suggest Apple plans to produce about 7 million units, though the final figure will likely depend on market reception.
Interestingly, Apple was also working on a foldable iPad, but sources say that project has been shelved for now. Manufacturing challenges, high production costs—especially around flexible displays—and lukewarm demand for large foldable devices have reportedly contributed to the pause.
A New Era of Competition
Apple’s arrival in the foldable market is expected to heat up competition significantly. If the device launches as planned, it will go head-to-head with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series, Google’s Pixel Fold, and foldables from several Chinese brands.
While Apple hasn’t confirmed any details publicly, rumours hint at a premium offering. The foldable iPhone is expected to cost around $2,300 (roughly ₹1,99,000) in the U.S. It could feature a liquid metal hinge, a 7.8-inch inner display, and a 5.5-inch cover screen. The device is believed to measure 9.2mm thick when folded and just 4.6mm when unfolded, with a side-mounted Touch ID sensor for biometric authentication.
This timeline suggests 2026 could mark Apple’s most significant product expansion since it introduced the Apple Watch. And while the company has kept quiet, anticipation is already building among fans and rivals alike.
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